Question

While writing formula of a molecular compound,more electronegative non-metal is written on right side andless electronegative non-metal on the left side. But why is the formula of Ammonia NH₃ when N is more electronegative than H?

Answer 1

There are various scale on which electronegativity is measured. and there is not much difference in electronegativity of N and H. In NH_3, hydrogen exist as H^- so H is written after N in chemical formula. NH₃ is hydride of nitrogen. However,
there is no pattern in IUPAC convention. There is no particular rule which is followed.